[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 21, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43158-43159]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-21088]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD13-96-001]
RIN 2115-AE47
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Snohomish River, Everett, WA
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION; Temporary final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is temporarily amending the regulations
governing the operation of the twin State Route 529 drawbridges across
the
[[Page 43159]]
Snohomish River, mile 3.6, at Everett, Washington. The temporary
regulations will permit the drawspans to remain closed for several
months so that the mechanical and electrical systems of the twin
bridges can be overhauled. The closed period is October 1996, to
January 31, 1997.
EFFECTIVE DATES: This rule is effective from October 1, 1996, to
January 31, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise noted, documents referred to in this
preamble are available for inspection and copying at 915 Second Avenue,
Room 3410, Seattle, Washington. Normal office hours are between 7:45
a.m. and 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John E. Mikesell, Chief, Plans and
Programs Section, Aids to Navigation and Waterways Management Branch,
(Telephone: (206) 220-7270).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulatory History
On February 21, 1996, the Coast Guard published a notice of
proposed rulemaking entitled Drawbridge Operation Regulations;
Snohomish River, Everett, WA, in the Federal Register (61 FR 6588). No
comments were received in response to this notice.
Background and Purpose
At the request of the Washington State Department of
Transportation, the Coast Guard is temporarily amending the regulations
governing the operation of the twin State Route 529 drawbridge across
the Snohomish River at Everett, Washington. Currently, these bridges
are required to open for the passage of vessels if one hour notice is
provided. The temporary regulations will permit the drawspans to remain
closed for several months so that the mechanical and electrical systems
of the twin bridges can be overhauled. The existing drawbridge
operation regulations currently in effect will automatically be
restored as soon as the temporary regulations expire on January 31,
1997.
Discussion of Comments and Changes
The Coast Guard did not receive any comments to the notice of
proposed rulemaking and the rule is being adopted as proposed.
Regulatory Evaluation
This temporary rule is not a significant regulatory action under
3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an assessment of
potential cost and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that order. It has
been exempted from review by the Office of Management and Budget under
that order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies and
procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040;
February 26, 1979). The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this
rule to be so minimal that a full regulatory evaluation under paragraph
10e of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary.
This expectation is based on the fact that the commercial users of the
waterway can pass under the bridges without an opening during low tide
conditions.
Small Entities
For the reasons stated in Regulatory Evaluation above, the Coast
Guard finds that the impact on small entities, if any, is not
substantial. Therefore, the Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b)
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that this
action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of
small entities. The impact on small entities is expected to be minimal
because commercial users of the waterway can pass under the bridges
without an opening during low tide conditions.
Collection of Information
This action contains no collection of information requirements
under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Federalism
This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and
criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and it has been determined
that the action does not have sufficient federalism implications to
warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
Environment
The Coast Guard has considered the environmental impact of this
action and concluded that, under section 2.B.2. of Commandant
Instruction M16475.B, this proposal is categorically excluded from
further environmental documentation. A ``Categorical Exclusion
Determination'' is available in the docket for inspection or copying
where indicated under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117
Bridges.
Regulations
For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends
part 117 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:
PART 117--DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS
1. The authority citation for Part 117 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 499; 49 CFR 1.46; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g); section
117.255 also issued under the authority of Pub. L. 102-587, 106
Stat. 5039.
2. Effective October 1, 1996, to January 31, 1997, paragraph (c) of
Sec. 117.1059 is temporarily suspended and a new paragraph (i) is added
to read as follows:
Sec. 117.1059 Snohomish River, Steamboat Slough, and Ebey Slough.
* * * * *
(i) The draws of the twin, SR 529, highway bridges across the
Snohomish River, mile 3.6, at Everett need not open for the passage of
vessels from October 1, 1996, until January 31, 1997.
Dated: June 26, 1996.
J. David Spade,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, 13th Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 96-21088 Filed 8-20-96; 8:45 a.m.]
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